Tools and Materials
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How Do I Cut Tile?
First, choose the right tool for the job. You may be able to cut tile by hand, in which case you’ll just need a snap cutter or pair of nippers. Our DIY Basics video shows you how to use them and how to use a wet saw.
Is It Better to Cut Tile Wet or Dry?
Whether it’s better to cut tile wet or dry depends on the specific job. For smaller projects with a lot of simple straight cuts, you might consider using a tile cutter to cut tile by hand. If, however, you have a large job with more intricate cuts, you’ll want to use a wet saw. For very small cuts, you can use tile-cutting tools like a snap cutter or pair of nippers. Once you learn how to cut tile with a saw and how to use a tile cutter, you’ll be able to determine which saw to use for which job
Wet Saw Basics
If you want to learn how to cut tile, the first step is to learn how to use a wet saw. A good tile saw is a power saw — similar to a table saw — with a rotating blade that can cut tile. It uses water to cool and lubricate the blade and tile, allowing for clean, straight cuts and edges. The water also minimizes dust.
On many small do-it-yourself models, the operator slides the tile across a stationary table. You can also find larger wet saws that use a sliding tray to move the tile past the blade.
The best tile saws have an adjustable cutting guide or fence that keeps the tile precisely positioned for straight cuts as the workpiece passes the blade. An angle-guide attachment secures tiles for diagonal or miter cuts. A tilting table/tray surface or blade lets you make bevel cuts along the edge of the tile. The versatility of a wet saw makes it one of the best tile-cutting tools available.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the saw to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlet. Keep cords and connections dry and away from wet areas. Make sure your hands are dry before operating the saw.
Check with your local Lowe’s about tile-cutting services and the availability of wet saw rentals.
How Do You Cut Porcelain Tile With a Wet Saw?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setup, use and safety. Use a blade that’s suitable for the saw and the material you’re cutting. Below are general steps for cutting tile with a wet saw:
- Basic cuts let you size tile.
- Corner-notch cuts are useful for installing floor tile around the corners of an obstacle such as a kitchen island.
- Bevel cuts let you create clean corners with wall tile.
When you’re first learning how to cut tile, start with a few practice cuts on scrap pieces of tile to get an idea of how the saw works.
Can You Cut Tile With a Wet Saw Without Water?
You can’t cut tile with a wet saw without water. Water keeps the blade from overheating, which will damage the blade and poses a possible danger to the operator. Water also helps to keep dust under control.
How Do You Cut Tile With a Wet Saw Without Chipping It?
The best way to cut tile with a wet saw without chipping it is to cut slowly with a very sharp blade. As you learn how to cut tile, you’ll figure out how to control your speed as well as learn how to tell when you need a new saw blade.
Do You Cut Ceramic Tile Face Up or Face Down?
Whether you cut ceramic tile face up or face down depends on the saw you’re using. Wet saws can cut from the top or the bottom. Since whichever side of the tile the blade hits first will be the smoothest part of the cut, if your blade cuts from the top, you’ll want the tile facing up; if the blade cuts from the bottom, you’ll want the tile facing down.
